Maintenance: permanent staff only. Note that this is one less rink than the City kept open with permanent staff only in March 2006. All rinks operated by roving operators, zambonis stay at rinks. Snow shovels available at all rinks, shovelling supervision by rink guards. Ice quality can be good.

Rink staffing: casual rink staff.

Income to help with rink staffing costs:

1. every rink should aim to get $2000 permit income per rink (permits only after 9 pm -- high demand and no interference with youth/child shinny hockey). Senior city outdoor rink staff, indoor arena staff, and the "Save Our Rinks" network can help with publicity, to find the permit groups.

2. have rink staff sell canned/bottled drinks and pre-packaged snacks (minimum) at every rink. Dufferin Rink staff can help set this up. Net income per rink for December: $1000 - $3000, depending on usage.

Follow-up rink plan:

Open the remaining outdoor rinks on Dec.22. Close all rinks on the last Sunday in February (save energy costs by not staying open in March).

Long-term rink plan:

Improve outdoor rink operation beginning this winter, to gain more users, use less energy, have better ice maintenance, attract more permit revenue.